An IT expert, Sean Stimson, is facing potential imprisonment over accusations of threatening legal representatives handling his late aunt Helen Smith's £200,000 estate, which she bequeathed to charities. Stimson claims his aunt intended her Swindon home, the bulk of her fortune, to remain within the family, but a 2016 will left the estate to organizations including the RSPCA.

Foot Anstey LLP, the law firm representing the charities, has brought Stimson before the court, alleging a campaign of abusive and threatening communications. The firm contends that these actions constitute a contempt of court, violating a previous order that settled a harassment claim against Stimson last year. This order barred him from making abusive or threatening communications.

Stimson is contesting the contempt application, which could result in a jail sentence of up to two years. He denies sending a specific letter containing explicit threats and insults, although he admits to sending an email stating his case would be "defended with force." He maintains this email was not intended as a violent threat but as an indication of his determination to pursue his legal challenge.

Will Dispute and Previous Court Orders

The dispute centers on the validity of Helen Smith's 2016 will, which Stimson is challenging on grounds of his aunt's alleged lack of mental capacity at the time. He claims a later will from 2020 better reflects her true wishes regarding her £200,000 home. However, a High Court judge previously found that Stimson had not substantiated his assertions, and probate has since been granted to the charities.

Following the grant of probate, Foot Anstey LLP accused Stimson of further harassment, including threats to visit their offices, disrupt their IT systems, and make obscene phone calls to female employees. Stimson denied making obscene calls. He settled the harassment claim with Foot Anstey in January 2025 through a court order that allowed him to contact the firm on legitimate estate matters but prohibited abusive or threatening communication.

Allegations of Breach and Defense

In the current proceedings, Foot Anstey's barrister, Kate Wilson, alleged that Stimson breached the January 2025 undertakings through communications sent in June and September of the previous year. An email in June referenced an appeal against the will, stating, "My aunt's last wishes were very clear, and they will not be ignored and if necessary defended by force." The September communication, described as a direct threat of violence, was purportedly addressed to "Dear Foot Anstey W******" and stated Stimson would "beat the s*** out of all of you" if the house was not returned, adding, "I have had enough of your c*** and the jails are full so I will just keep coming for you until you comply or are permanently hospitalised."

Ms. Wilson highlighted the personal nature of the insults, noting that some staff members involved in the case were women. She argued that the letter was a clear breach of the undertakings and contained a direct threat, intensified by its abusive language.

Representing Stimson, barrister Daniel Mullin denied his client authored the "w******" letter, pointing to its postmark location as evidence against this. Mullin argued that Foot Anstey's evidence was insufficient to prove Stimson sent the letter, stating that a typed name and reference to an "aunt's house" do not constitute direct proof. Regarding the June email, Mullin suggested the language was misinterpreted and intended to convey a robust defense of his legal position rather than a threat of violence.

Past Convictions

Stimson has a history of legal trouble. He was previously jailed for breaching a restraining order related to a stalking campaign against pop singer Robbie Williams in 2017. He and his brother had been barred from contacting the singer's representatives after believing Williams had stolen their ideas for his music video.

Decision Pending

After considering three hours of evidence and arguments, the judge reserved his decision, which will be delivered at a later date. If found in contempt of court, Stimson faces up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine.